After the college entrance examination, I finally broke free.

Luzhao gave me a moon necklace.

I really like it.

He said, "Yao Yao."

I looked up.

Luzhao looked serious and devout. "I like you."

My breath hitched, my heart thumped, the sound was so loud it felt like it would burst out of my chest.

Then, I made the most abrupt and bold decision in my life.

I tiptoed and kissed his lips.

I like you too.

I've liked you for a long time.

The TV behind us was still playing news about post-disaster reconstruction. The host passionately talked about how the apocalypse had ended and the future of humanity was bright...

We embraced in front of the TV.

The air became scorching and sweet.

Even though the past was full of hardships and pain, darkness and hopelessness, it was ultimately the past.

Humanity's footsteps always move forward.

And we will carry hope and love, treading the path they struggled to create, and walk towards the light.

Humanity thrives and forever yearns for the light.

[End of the chapter]